Scituate committee reviews expanded role to combine SEL and DEI, tables final vote until Nov. 17

The Scituate School Committee on an evening meeting reviewed a draft job description for a new district-level Director of Support, Engagement and Advocacy — a position designed to combine coordination of social and emotional learning (SEL) with diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) responsibilities.

"Tonight, we'll discuss a draft job description for a new leadership role in our district," the chair said, framing the discussion around the district's goal of embedding DEI work throughout the schools while addressing rising SEL needs.

Interim Superintendent Dr. Ra told the committee the district received 187 survey responses and summarized community feedback that ranged from urging the committee not to replace the position at all to suggestions for how a reimagined role could better serve students. "About a third of the responses did urge the committee not to replace the position at all. The other two thirds ... talked about different ways that we could look at the position," Dr. Ra said.

Dr. Ra des…